'One-stop' sex health centre has a discreet exit

Published on Wednesday 13 May 2009 22:05

PATIENTS at a new sexual health centre due to open next year will be able to spare their blushes by leaving through a separate exit, it has been revealed.

The 9 million NHS Lothian project, which involves the demolition of parts of the rear of the former Chalmers Hospital, in Edinburgh's Lauriston Place, promises a total refurbishment of the hospital's interior and a three-storey extension to the south of the site.

People can leave the building after their consultation without having to go back through public areas such as waiting rooms, said lead clinician Dr Gordon Scott yesterday.

He added: "Sexual health can be a sensitive area and we want to ensure people feel comfortable using our services and feel they can come forward for advice.

"We are on track to open as planned in 2010 and will continue to involve our patients as we develop our new integrated service further."

At present, family planning services and genito-urinary medicine are provided from a number of different locations.

Providing a "one-stop" approach at the new sexual health centre should mean more convenient care, with all needs addressed by the same members of staff.

The internal layout of waiting areas and clinic rooms was changed as a result of patient feedback.

David Small, general manager of the Edinburgh Community Health Partnership, said: "We're grateful for the time people who use these services have taken to give us their views.

"We have taken account of their comments in the physical design and layout of the new centre."